Naso Tang

Naso Tang (Naso lituratus) - If you have a larger saltwater aquarium that's at least 125 gallons, preferably larger, you might be interested in the Naso Tang. This is one of the larger tangs. They can reach up to 18 inches and they are very active swimmers. A highly oxygenated tank with lots of swimming room is needed.

It can be somewhat difficult to get them eating. In the ocean they eat brown macro algae (Sargassum and Dictyota). It is recommended to have this algae on hand if you plan on trying your hand at keeping them given their finicky taste buds, at least at first. Once they acclimate you could start introducing other greens into their diet using vegetable clips or placing pieces of dried marine algae under rocks in the tank for them to graze on. Given their high activity rate you will want to provide several small feedings per day.

Be careful when using a net with the Naso Tang (and all tangs). They have spines that they can erect at the base of the caudal peduncle. These spines are used for defense and aggression and they can inflict a nasty wound if you're not careful.

They should play well with other fish species, except for other tangs and surgeonfish. Invertebrates should be left alone, but some hobbyists have reported that they have caught them nipping corals. Exercise caution if introducing to a reef tank and be ready for plan B should they not behave.

According to FishBase this species is separate from it's Indo-Pacific cousin, Naso elegans.

Diet / Foods : The Naso Tang is an herbivore and having lots of live rock goes a long way and be prepared to give them dried seaweed or dried algae using the lettuce clip or place it under some live rock in the tank. It's highly recommend to feed them brown macro algae as it's in their natural diet and may be one of the key factors in keeping them healthy long term.

Tank Region : All over the tank, this is an active swimmer

Gender : Not sure of any external characteristics to identify males from females.

Related Tang & Surgeonfish Profiles

Zebrasoma veliferumPacific Sailfin TangLooks very similar to the Red Sea Sailfin, but the one collected in the Pacific doesn't have as many spots. Lots of marine algae and a very large tank are some care requirements. Check the profile for more care information.

Acanthurus leucosternonPowder Blue TangOften sought after due to their beauty, the Powder Blue Tangs will quickly leave the uninformed hobbyist singing the blues if they are not prepared to care for this tang.

Acanthurus japonicusPowder Brown TangAdapts to the aquarium much better than the Powder Blue Tang.